Pilot Debrief

Mooney M20TN near Buena Vista, CO — 2020-07-07

Final reportCEN20LA268
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Date
2020-07-07
Location
Buena Vista, CO, USA
Airport
AEJ
Aircraft
Mooney M20TN
Registration
C-GTVS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's distraction during takeoff, which resulted in collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he was on a cross-country flight and stopped at the airport to refuel the airplane. During the subsequent takeoff, the pilot looked down to adjust the engine mixture and put on his oxygen nose piece. He stated that he did not establish a positive rate of climb and was not paying attention to his airspeed and altitude. The pilot looked up and the right main landing gear hit the terrain very hard at an estimated speed of 150 to 160 knots. The pilot attempted to maintain control, and the airplane came to rest on the runway. A postimpact fire ensued, and the pilot sustained serious injuries as he exited the airplane. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have monitored airspeed and altitude during takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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